Annville Mill facts for kids

Annville Mill has been making flour since 1740!

The Annville Mill is a very old flour mill located in Annville, Pennsylvania. It's thought to be one of the oldest mills in the United States that has been working non-stop. This historic mill has been standing and grinding grain since 1740! You can find it on the banks of the Quittapahilla Creek.

A Long History of Grinding

When the Annville Mill first started, it was a grist mill. This means it ground grain into flour. But it wasn't just a grist mill! It also worked as a saw mill, cutting wood, and a fulling mill, which helped make cloth.

One of the first owners was a man named Andrew Miller. For many years, the mill used large stones to grind the grain, a method used for centuries.

Modernizing the Mill

A big change happened in 1909 when the Brandt family bought the mill. This was a time when milling technology was getting much better. The Brandt family helped the mill become more modern.

They changed how the mill worked, moving from water power to electricity. They also switched from grinding stones to new machines called roller mills.

How Roller Mills Work

Roller mills are a more modern way to make flour. Instead of grinding grain between two stones, they use two rollers. These rollers are different sizes and spin at different speeds.

The wheat grains go through these rollers. Then, air lifts the grains up, and they go through the rollers again and again. This process continues until the grains are fully turned into flour. After that, the flour is sifted and put into bags.

Annville Mill's Flours

For a long time, the Annville Mill mostly made "pastry flour." This type of flour is perfect for making delicious pretzels, pie crusts, and cookies. Local farmers in the area grew soft wheat, which is best for pastry flour.

Organic and New Flours Today

In 2002, a company called McGeary Organics bought the Annville Mill. They wanted to support local farmers who grow organic grains. This change brought new life and new types of flour to the mill.

With better ways to transport grains, the mill could start using "hard wheat" too. This meant they could make new products like Bread Flour and All-Purpose Flour.

The Annville Mill now makes premium Daisy Organic Flours. These flours come from both local and national farmers. They use both soft and hard wheat.

Spelt Flour

One of the newest flours added to the Annville Mill's products is spelt flour. This type of flour was first made at the mill in 2002. Spelt is an "ancient grain" that has become very popular in the organic food world today.

Annville Mill Gallery

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  Annville Mill on Quittapahilla Creek.

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  Organic Grain used to make Organic Flours.

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  Roll Stand in Roller Mill with mill worker.

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  Bag of flour milled at the Annville Mill.